[blows up Anna again and also Dana for good measure. I'm leaving single and also bad-ending forever from now on.
Anyway, he tilts his head slightly. He's not so oblivious that he doesn't understand what they mean, but also--]
"Embarrassing bits"...? [What is this "embarrassment" you speak of... he can't remember what it's like to feel shame...] I don't recall anything like that.
[This is a lie he can think of at least two immediately but he just teased Essek 5 seconds ago so he can be nice for the next 10]
[This is not what he had in mind when he was being reverse Uno'd, or whatever. He makes a bit of a face at the request, glances at Childe, and then looks at Nehan and Aventurine around his cup as he has another sip.
Don't just think of two immediately, what the fuck?]
It wasn't anything glamorous. He was coming out of the baggage device where the... [Thinks about how he died... Frowns.] Well, he was coming out of the trash, and I was going in.
[ i think you guys should talk about the threesome. threesomes? what even happened here
He continues to assuage Aventurine with head pats, and does not point out that some people would find a meet-cute in the garbage to be embarrassing. Nehan really doesn't even know the half of it and how mild this is in comparison to everything else. There was wasn't that much banging in Silent Hill? ]
I see. So you met in a dumpster of some kind. [ ... ] It makes for a good story...
[ the way aventurine only knows half of it... everyone was so busy whoring while he was oblivious to it all
He cracks an even wider grin, eager to steer the conversation to something a little cornier. Enough of the pleasantries. They're here on a double date, and that means digging into each other's relationships, right? ]
Wholly captivating, I would say. [ And he was there! ] If you don't mind me asking, what was it that initially drew your romantic interests to Essek, Childe?
[This is so funny for so many reasons. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE THREESOMES THEY'RE NOT IMPORTANT.]
You didn't feel like mentioning that was the only place we had to explore, those first few days? [TEASING...] That was the second time, anyway. You were learning how to use the phones the first time we spoke.
[He kindly does not mention that Essek blinded himself with the flashlight like an idiot. This is not nearly as impressive and romantic as it seems, though, because the only reason he remembers this is that it's the conversation where Essek said The One Thing that made Childe weird about him in the first place. If not for that he definitely wouldn't remember.
Anyway, he is not expecting to be QUIZZED LIKE THEY'RE TEENS AT A SLEEPOVER so he takes a drink of his tea after that--he doesn't choke in surprise or anything so dramatic, but he does blink, clearly not expecting that. After a moment, he shakes his head in amusement, setting his cup back down.]
And here I thought Manwol and Jae-ha were the nosy ones. [WHEN IN TRUTH IT WAS APPARENTLY THE WHOLEASS GRAVEYARD... he glances at Essek first, as if to gauge how embarrassed he looks, though it doesn't matter all that much in the end because his answer would be somewhat vague regardless.] ...There are certain things about my life that are difficult for most to understand. But it was clear early on that I could trust him with them.
[Does not bother adding "also have you seen him" because he thinks that's obvious]
[Uh, we will NOT be talking about any of the threesomes. There were only TWO, by the way. Also? We will not be talking about his crush on Aventurine. Ever.]
No one will ever be as nosy as Aventurine.
[He makes a bit of a face at Aventurine about the question posed to Childe. OKAY!! It's embarrassing thinking his friend is vetting his.... boy...... friend(?), but also it's embarrassing having to wait on the... boy.... friend(?) to answer, not knowing what Childe will say.
Well, Childe is usually honest about more serious things, but Childe often likes to tease him in particular, so HE NEVER KNOWS! Thankfully, it's sweet. Slowly sips his tea while looking at Aventurine.
It is not obvious because Aventurine rejected him...]
[ 2 threesomes is infinitely more threesomes than some people in this room have had.......... also nehan isn't ordinarily a gossip but i, nu the player, want answers so i kiss aventurine on the face
He huffs at the conversation, though he's generally less of a miserable headache as he was in Scawwy, so it sounds more amused than anything else. ]
I feel like we're interrogating you, Childe.
[ With Nehan involved, ancient as he (21) is, it's almost like interviewing Essek's prom date and seeing if he's trustworthy enough to bring him back by curfew. He cradles his mug of tea in his hands now, contented to enjoy its warmth alongside the slumber party chatter. ]
But you seem sincere about it. [ And much less shy than his partner... ] Essek, shouldn't you answer as well?
[ IS IT SO WRONG TO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT HIS BEST FRIEND'S NEW RELATIONSHIP!!!!
But this is a satisfying answer, and Aventurine gives a little smile in response. He can understand this sentiment, after all, having confided some of his own troubles to Essek (even though it was very much like pulling teeth to get anything out of Aventurine). And while he doesn't mean for the line of questioning to come off as an interrogation, just friendly chatter, he laughs as he sinks back into the couch cushions, picking up his tea again.
Nehan has the correct idea, and Aventurine looks right back at Essek with a mischievous smirk. ]
Yes, Essek. Let's move the spotlight over to you now, shall we? What drew you to Childe?
[ You think he's that nosy, well. Get hit with the nosiness beam. ]
[HELP NU JUST LIKE THANK YOU CHURIN!!!! I think about Ara falling down in despair every time something happened and she had to be like "ROXANA DOESN'T CARE BUT I DO" so funny. This was also me with Kanda.]
Ahaha, it's fine, I don't mind. I've had worse interrogations for less. [His tone is light like he's joking even though this is 100% true. If anything, it's kind of funny and refreshing that they're asking questions because they clearly care about their friend rather than anything to do with Childe himself. It's sweet, even if it doesn't make Childe any more inclined to share all his thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately he and Aventurine are quite similar in many ways, though Childe is a little more forthcoming.] I'm the one who keeps dragging him around, though. It's been a while since I was able to travel with company, so I lured him in with the promise of library visits.
[Another playful comment, but this one is a subtle out, in case Essek feels like he needs one. He likes Aventurine--and Nehan so far--but, y'know. He is not d...ating(?) them. Essek could be, though... Essek could be...]
[Nehan..... Just a tiny wittle baby... Wait, why is HE the oldest one here technically? Why is he OLD? NOOOOOOO!!!
Aventurine, as expected, just gets another look like the one you give your friend who is being annoying, but you're still fond of them anyway against your better judgement. Thanks for putting him on the spot now! But he would not have been a Shadowhand nor on the queen's court if he didn't have a least a little of a good poker face under interrogation.
He sips his tea while Childe gives him an out.]
The library was very nice, yes. [He's a nerd. But not a coward.] It was easy to have a fulfilling conversation with him even through writing. We had similar duties. I appreciated... his ambition. And he was kind to Kate.
[ i think churin is 19 but essek can spiritually be 20. also stop trying to homewreck in my house.
Their nosiness pays off; even with the general (and expected) vagueness, they're enlightening answers. He'd worked closely with Essek, attached to him and the others insofar as four shady assholes can be attached, but they hadn't had so much time to delve into each other's personal lives with the divide between living and dead, broadly unaware of what the other man's taste in company is like.
Ambition, mutual understanding, decency where it counts. Nehan mulls the answers over, as well as his own, taking a moment to stir his tea. ]
Would you be mad if I said it was destiny?
[ He taps his spoon lightly before looking to Aventurine. ]
Actually, I don't know why you approached us. I doubt Essek was any nicer to you than I was.
[ it's because we told yuul to audience us oocly so we could make fun of cloudurine ]
[ AVENTURINE IS IN HIS LATE 20S NOW THANK YOU VERY MUCH
He smiles at the responses, taking note of the way Childe paves a little path for Essek should the other man want it, and Aventurine hides a different kind of smile from behind his cup of tea. It's clear they're still figuring each other out, but from where he's sitting, his friend is in good, caring hands, and that lifts a bit of weight off of his shoulders.
And then here comes their own moment under the limelight. He immediately turns to face Nehan, his expression expectant like he's awaiting a shower of compliments. But he gets something better, something far more entertaining, and he laughs as he smoothly joins right in. ]
That's right. You'll have to call it fate! I've always considered myself to be lucky, but meeting Nehan must have been written in the stars of the very cosmos.
[ It's so ridiculous, his tone lively and animated, but that's Aventurine for you. ]
I thought the four of you treated me very hospitably.
[THIS IS SO GAY... I, PIXI, FIND IT SOOOOO CUTE AND CHILDE KIND OF DOES BUT HE'S ALSO LIKE DAMN NO WONDER ESSEK SPOUTS OFF CHEESY LINES AND GETS EMBARRASSED IF THESE ARE HIS INFLUENCES. Not that he didn't already know Aventurine was a bit of a ham just from seeing him around--like recognizes like, after all--but it's amusing to see it in this context.]
Written in the stars, you say? [This is kind of funny both because Essek and also because Genshin. Don't worry about it, not important.] You first met in the village, then, yes? You didn't know each other beforehand?
[I think about how Essek the turbo bottom virgin had to be the one to tell Childe that a lot of people fall in love fairly quickly because he thought it was normal to take forever to trust someone and open up. So funny]
[nu is like please stop tagging this thread so fast
Is it awkward to pose a question to which you genuinely want an answer to a person who you maybe kinda sort of had a crush on, who rejected you because they are a single-target shithead, only to have the idea a truer love was destiny or fate plopped in your lap?
Bittersweet maybe. The sorrowful joy of knowing someone important who is undeniably happy. Is it wrong to have these sorts of feelings when there is a man present whose encounter may or may not have been the same?
Stars and cosmos is so funny with these two just sitting here.
He glances away, though it's clear he is listening rather than checked out of the conversation. After a moment of gazing through the middle distance of the floor, he seems to realize he is unfocused, so he looks back again and has a sip of tea.]
We didn't.
[That is all he will add to what Aventurine says.]
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And Aventurine, I guess.
He glances at Childe briefly. Yeah, you would understand this betrayal. Can't believe Iris got fridged for the yaoi.]
Nehan should just be glad he never had to be a participant. We can always go back to talking about how much you missed him.
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He is unmoved by any of this displeasure, but does, magnanimously, give Aventurine a little headscratch. He's been bullied so much. ]
Not necessary.
[ Embarrassing... for him, not Aventurine. ]
Tell me how you two met instead.
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But he's easily pacified by the head scratch, and just as happy to remain cozied up by Nehan's side as he gives a grin to both Childe and Essek. ]
Yes, do tell. Don't leave out the embarrassing bits either.
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Anyway, he tilts his head slightly. He's not so oblivious that he doesn't understand what they mean, but also--]
"Embarrassing bits"...? [What is this "embarrassment" you speak of... he can't remember what it's like to feel shame...] I don't recall anything like that.
[This is a lie he can think of at least two immediately but he just teased Essek 5 seconds ago so he can be nice for the next 10]
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Don't just think of two immediately, what the fuck?]
It wasn't anything glamorous. He was coming out of the baggage device where the... [Thinks about how he died... Frowns.] Well, he was coming out of the trash, and I was going in.
[Closing my eyes. Me, Anna.]
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He continues to assuage Aventurine with head pats, and does not point out that some people would find a meet-cute in the garbage to be embarrassing. Nehan really doesn't even know the half of it and how mild this is in comparison to everything else. There was wasn't that much banging in Silent Hill? ]
I see. So you met in a dumpster of some kind. [ ... ] It makes for a good story...
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He cracks an even wider grin, eager to steer the conversation to something a little cornier. Enough of the pleasantries. They're here on a double date, and that means digging into each other's relationships, right? ]
Wholly captivating, I would say. [ And he was there! ] If you don't mind me asking, what was it that initially drew your romantic interests to Essek, Childe?
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You didn't feel like mentioning that was the only place we had to explore, those first few days? [TEASING...] That was the second time, anyway. You were learning how to use the phones the first time we spoke.
[He kindly does not mention that Essek blinded himself with the flashlight like an idiot. This is not nearly as impressive and romantic as it seems, though, because the only reason he remembers this is that it's the conversation where Essek said The One Thing that made Childe weird about him in the first place. If not for that he definitely wouldn't remember.
Anyway, he is not expecting to be QUIZZED LIKE THEY'RE TEENS AT A SLEEPOVER so he takes a drink of his tea after that--he doesn't choke in surprise or anything so dramatic, but he does blink, clearly not expecting that. After a moment, he shakes his head in amusement, setting his cup back down.]
And here I thought Manwol and Jae-ha were the nosy ones. [WHEN IN TRUTH IT WAS APPARENTLY THE WHOLEASS GRAVEYARD... he glances at Essek first, as if to gauge how embarrassed he looks, though it doesn't matter all that much in the end because his answer would be somewhat vague regardless.] ...There are certain things about my life that are difficult for most to understand. But it was clear early on that I could trust him with them.
[Does not bother adding "also have you seen him" because he thinks that's obvious]
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No one will ever be as nosy as Aventurine.
[He makes a bit of a face at Aventurine about the question posed to Childe. OKAY!! It's embarrassing thinking his friend is vetting his.... boy...... friend(?), but also it's embarrassing having to wait on the... boy.... friend(?) to answer, not knowing what Childe will say.
Well, Childe is usually honest about more serious things, but Childe often likes to tease him in particular, so HE NEVER KNOWS! Thankfully, it's sweet. Slowly sips his tea while looking at Aventurine.
It is not obvious because Aventurine rejected him...]
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He huffs at the conversation, though he's generally less of a miserable headache as he was in Scawwy, so it sounds more amused than anything else. ]
I feel like we're interrogating you, Childe.
[ With Nehan involved, ancient as he (21) is, it's almost like interviewing Essek's prom date and seeing if he's trustworthy enough to bring him back by curfew. He cradles his mug of tea in his hands now, contented to enjoy its warmth alongside the slumber party chatter. ]
But you seem sincere about it. [ And much less shy than his partner... ] Essek, shouldn't you answer as well?
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But this is a satisfying answer, and Aventurine gives a little smile in response. He can understand this sentiment, after all, having confided some of his own troubles to Essek (even though it was very much like pulling teeth to get anything out of Aventurine). And while he doesn't mean for the line of questioning to come off as an interrogation, just friendly chatter, he laughs as he sinks back into the couch cushions, picking up his tea again.
Nehan has the correct idea, and Aventurine looks right back at Essek with a mischievous smirk. ]
Yes, Essek. Let's move the spotlight over to you now, shall we? What drew you to Childe?
[ You think he's that nosy, well. Get hit with the nosiness beam. ]
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Ahaha, it's fine, I don't mind. I've had worse interrogations for less. [His tone is light like he's joking even though this is 100% true. If anything, it's kind of funny and refreshing that they're asking questions because they clearly care about their friend rather than anything to do with Childe himself. It's sweet, even if it doesn't make Childe any more inclined to share all his thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately he and Aventurine are quite similar in many ways, though Childe is a little more forthcoming.] I'm the one who keeps dragging him around, though. It's been a while since I was able to travel with company, so I lured him in with the promise of library visits.
[Another playful comment, but this one is a subtle out, in case Essek feels like he needs one. He likes Aventurine--and Nehan so far--but, y'know. He is not d...ating(?) them. Essek could be, though... Essek could be...]
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Aventurine, as expected, just gets another look like the one you give your friend who is being annoying, but you're still fond of them anyway against your better judgement. Thanks for putting him on the spot now! But he would not have been a Shadowhand nor on the queen's court if he didn't have a least a little of a good poker face under interrogation.
He sips his tea while Childe gives him an out.]
The library was very nice, yes. [He's a nerd. But not a coward.] It was easy to have a fulfilling conversation with him even through writing. We had similar duties. I appreciated... his ambition. And he was kind to Kate.
What drew you both to each other?
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Their nosiness pays off; even with the general (and expected) vagueness, they're enlightening answers. He'd worked closely with Essek, attached to him and the others insofar as four shady assholes can be attached, but they hadn't had so much time to delve into each other's personal lives with the divide between living and dead, broadly unaware of what the other man's taste in company is like.
Ambition, mutual understanding, decency where it counts. Nehan mulls the answers over, as well as his own, taking a moment to stir his tea. ]
Would you be mad if I said it was destiny?
[ He taps his spoon lightly before looking to Aventurine. ]
Actually, I don't know why you approached us. I doubt Essek was any nicer to you than I was.
[ it's because we told yuul to audience us oocly so we could make fun of cloudurine ]
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He smiles at the responses, taking note of the way Childe paves a little path for Essek should the other man want it, and Aventurine hides a different kind of smile from behind his cup of tea. It's clear they're still figuring each other out, but from where he's sitting, his friend is in good, caring hands, and that lifts a bit of weight off of his shoulders.
And then here comes their own moment under the limelight. He immediately turns to face Nehan, his expression expectant like he's awaiting a shower of compliments. But he gets something better, something far more entertaining, and he laughs as he smoothly joins right in. ]
That's right. You'll have to call it fate! I've always considered myself to be lucky, but meeting Nehan must have been written in the stars of the very cosmos.
[ It's so ridiculous, his tone lively and animated, but that's Aventurine for you. ]
I thought the four of you treated me very hospitably.
[ A LIE ]
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Written in the stars, you say? [This is kind of funny both because Essek and also because Genshin. Don't worry about it, not important.] You first met in the village, then, yes? You didn't know each other beforehand?
[I think about how Essek the turbo bottom virgin had to be the one to tell Childe that a lot of people fall in love fairly quickly because he thought it was normal to take forever to trust someone and open up. So funny]
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Is it awkward to pose a question to which you genuinely want an answer to a person who you maybe kinda sort of had a crush on, who rejected you because they are a single-target shithead, only to have the idea a truer love was destiny or fate plopped in your lap?
Bittersweet maybe. The sorrowful joy of knowing someone important who is undeniably happy. Is it wrong to have these sorts of feelings when there is a man present whose encounter may or may not have been the same?
Stars and cosmos is so funny with these two just sitting here.
He glances away, though it's clear he is listening rather than checked out of the conversation. After a moment of gazing through the middle distance of the floor, he seems to realize he is unfocused, so he looks back again and has a sip of tea.]
We didn't.
[That is all he will add to what Aventurine says.]
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